05/13, 3:55pm
Promotional $99 down payment rises to $149 for 16GB model
The newest national carrier of the iPhone, T-Mobile, has ended a promotional "introductory price" period for the iPhone 5, raising the down payment from $99 to $149 for the 16GB model -- with similar $50 increases for the 32GB and 64GB models. Though it is still one of the cheapest ways to buy an iPhone 5 rather than buying a no-contract phone or going through a contract with one of the other carriers, the price difference with a T-Mobile plan is now down to about $20 less than buying the iPhone outright.
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05/13, 9:30am
Does not require jailbreaking, doubles throughput rates
An altered carrier update that has been modified by two hackers successfully increases the bandwidth available for iPhone 5 units on T-Mobile's US network, tests have found. The patch to the carrier update file, which was originally distributed to add LTE signal to the iPhone 5 using T-Mobile's 1900MHz band, works on both unlocked AT&T units as well as "native" T-Mobile iPhone 5 devices without requiring a jailbreak, though instructions vary for customers using jailbroken iPhones.
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05/10, 4:05pm
Focuses on iPhone 5 discount
T-Mobile is planning to push the iPhone 5 heavily in weekend advertising for Mother's Day, according to an internal memo obtained by TmoNews. The effort should specifically focus on the trade-in offer T-Mobile has had since April 12th, in which new or otherwise qualified customers can hand in an iPhone 4 or 4S and negate the cost of buying a 5. The deal applies to both GSM and CDMA trade-ins, but does require that the old hardware have no damage.
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05/08, 5:27am
Carrier manages to sell 500,000 iPhones since April 12th launch on network
T-Mobile USA's first quarterly results of the year appears to show its Uncarrier campaign is working in attracting prepaid customers, though still lost high-earning postpaid accounts. Despite adding more customers overall, revenues for the quarter hit $4.68 billion, a drop of seven percent compared to $5.03 billion received for the same quarter last year.
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05/03, 2:40pm
App, subscription service previously Android-only
T-Mobile has released an iPhone version of its T-Mobile TV app. The app has been available for Android since 2010, but T-Mobile only started selling the iPhone in April. The app comes with 30 days of free access to content like the Associated Press and Fox News, but the bulk of content is behind a subscription paywall.
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05/01, 6:00pm
CEO says Metro iPhone 'not imminent,' but is discussing options
The now-official merger of T-Mobile and MetroPCS into T-Mobile US will not immediately change options for no-contract MetroPCS customers in the way of being able to upgrade to an iPhone under their present arrangements, CEO John Legere said in an interview. While not closing the door on either changes to MetroPCS policies or a no-contract iPhone option in the future, Legere said that MetroPCS' nine million customers will not see iPhones offered anytime soon. He also mentioned that the company is discussing the matter with Apple.
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05/01, 9:24am
Final merger confirmed one week after MetroPCS shareholder vote
T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS have now completed their merger, and are now one company. The formation of the new entity, known as T-Mobile US and trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol TMUS, comes one week after MetroPCS shareholders voted to approve the merger after some improvements, a process which started in October last year.
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04/25, 3:35pm
T-Mobile must spell out penalties for early cancellation of new plans
T-Mobile's newly-launched "Uncarrier" plans are seeing some resistance from judicial channels. Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has demanded T-Mobile correct "deceptive advertising" that promised customers no annual contracts not requiring the user to "serve a two-year sentence," despite having what the office calls hidden charges for early termination of a new device plan that amounts to the same two-year contractual obligation.
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04/24, 1:32pm
Sprint pushes back full Galaxy S4 launch
Due to some unexpected inventory difficulties Sprint has been forced to delay its full launch of the Samsung Galaxy S4. The company plans to make the Galaxy S4 available through its online store and telesales on Saturday April 27th as planned, while retail stores and other channels receiving devices will be supplied with inventory when it becomes available. Just today some early reviews started going live, with reviewers agreeing that the device is a nice advancement from the S3, but falls short in terms of build quality and features compared to its competition.
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04/24, 11:05am
Shareholder vote succeeds after Deutsche Telekom sweetens deal
Shareholders of MetroPCS have reportedly approved the merger of the carrier with the fourth-largest mobile phone network, the Deutsche Telekom-owned T-Mobile USA. A shareholder vote for the proposal is the last hurdle for the merger to take place, after both the FCC and Department of Justice gave their approval last month with no negative commentary.
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04/19, 1:08pm
Delayed HTC One ships online, some stores face delays
The HTC One has gone on sale in the United States today, launching on Sprint, T-Mobile, and AT&T at the same time. The three carriers are offering the flagship smartphone through their online stores, though in some cases, brick and mortar retail outlets are left waiting until next week to start selling the device.
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04/17, 10:27am
Sprint promises discount for new customers
Several carriers have announced release dates for Samsung's Galaxy S 4, which will land at T-Mobile on April 24 before arriving at Sprint on April 27. Sprint has chosen $250 as the standard subsidized price for the Android flagship, though a $100 instant credit is offered for new customers who switch from another carrier. Keeping to its new "un-carrier" branding, T-Mobile is advertising $150 as its up-front cost ahead of monthly device payments.
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04/15, 8:48am
Training document shows Staples opening pre-orders tomorrow
The Samsung Galaxy S4 may hit retail stores in the US late next week, according to a leaked document from Staples. An in-store training sheet shows the smartphone reaching AT&T well before T-Mobile and Verizon, based on “tentative launch dates,” as well as details concerning Staple's handling of handset pre-orders.
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04/13, 2:12pm
New plan would have customers paying off phones over a year
Verizon on Friday appeared to take a step toward countering T-Mobile's recent headline-grabbing UNcarrier pricing structure. The nation's largest wireless carrier announced that it would be extending the parameters of its Device Payment Plan, allowing customers to spread the cost of a device over the course of a year. The announcement came along with news that the carrier would be lengthening its upgrade timetable from 20 to 24 months.
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04/12, 10:00pm
Heralds the long-awaited arrival of the iPhone 5
Updated with comments from T-Mobile on first-day sales Accompanying its debut at T-Mobile stores around the US, the carrier has debuted the first TV ad for the iPhone 5 on both cable and broadcast outlets. The straightforward ad highlights both the iPhone's arrival on the US network, as well as featuring T-Mobile's new "uncarrier" approach that eschews contracts in exchange for lower up-front fees for phones and monthly instalment payments, which allow for less-expensive talk, text and data options. The debut of the iPhone in T-Mobile stores brought some line-ups to T-Mobile flagship stores for the first time.
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04/12, 3:16pm
Some 240,000 units available across carrier's outlets
A number of US T-Mobile stores saw small lineups today for the carrier's launch of the iPhone 5, reports say. The information is confirmed by photos, first-hand accounts, and calls to some locations. In some cases, according to AppleInsider, shops reported having a "full store" for some time after opening. Documents obtained by TmoNews reveal that T-Mobile is limiting orders to one phone per person every 14 days, and that it has over 240,000 launch units to sell.
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04/11, 7:09am
Change in proposal forces delay in MetroPCS shareholder vote
Deutsche Telekom has updated its proposal to merge T-Mobile USA and MetroPCS with more favorable financial terms, in an effort to get shareholders to vote for the deal. The changes to the proposal, which has been deemed its "best and final offer," has forced MetroPCS to delay the final shareholder vote until April 24th.
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04/10, 6:19am
Upgrade offer from T-Mobile for iPhone 5 launch on carrier
T-Mobile is offering discounts and credits for customers trading up from an iPhone 4 or iPhone 4S to the iPhone 5 through retail stores. The offer, an attempt to encourage upgrades between the iPhone 5's launch on the network on Friday 12th, removes the $99 upfront cost for the iOS device, as well as providing a credit of up to $120 towards monthly bills.
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04/09, 3:28pm
Windows Phone 8 smartphone includes Cinemagraph, Here apps
T-Mobile will be bringing the Nokia Lumia 521 to the United States, sometime in May. The entry-level Windows Phone 8 handset, bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Lumia 520 unveiled by the manufacturer at Mobile World Congress in February, will be able to connect to T-Mobile's 4G network.
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04/09, 9:19am
Best Buy to ship HTC One on T-Mobile on April 19th
The HTC One will be available on T-Mobile on April 19th, according to the Best Buy website. The electronics retailer is carrying the smartphone at $249 when bought with a T-Mobile contract, or $700 off-contract, writes TmoNews. T-Mobile itself will also sell the HTC One without a service contract for $99, but it will still require monthly payments for the phone on its own, as per the new UnCarrier scheme the company is implementing.
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04/08, 2:44pm
Competitors battle for prepaid accounts
Virgin Mobile has kicked off a marketing campaign that is aimed at current T-Mobile prepaid customers. As part of its "retrain your brain" promotion, Virgin is offering $100 in unlimited-plan credit for customers who switch their phone number from a T-Mobile account.
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04/06, 7:04pm
Verizon CEO says it would be 'pretty easy' to switch to no-contract
Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam says it would be "pretty easy" for the nation's largest carrier to switch to a no-contract structure like T-Mobile recently did. Speaking at a New York event this week, McAdam said he was happy to see T-Mobile trying out other pricing structures, and that he would be paying attention to how well T-Mobile's bid goes. McAdam said that it was possible Verizon could put forward such a structure if consumers started asking for it.
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04/05, 4:03pm
Carrier extends features to pre-April 12th iPhones
T-Mobile has released a software update for iPhone 5 users on its network, ensuring that people with older models can get access to some of the features planned for phones shipping on April 12th. That includes access to AWS LTE, Visual Voicemail, the Commercial Mobile Alert System, and HD Voice call quality.
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04/05, 9:32am
Choice between monthly installments or full payment
T-Mobile has officially opened up preorders for the iPhone 5. Buyers can choose either to make a down payment and a series of monthly installments, typically $20 per month for two years, or pay in full right away. The cost of paying in full is $580 for a 16GB phone, $680 for 32GB, or $780 for 64GB.
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04/04, 11:08am
Prepaid customer numbers increase for seventh quarter running
T-Mobile has revealed it has increased its customer count for the first time in four years, after hemorrhaging customers in multiple successive quarters. A net increase of approximately 579,000 customers, 3,000 of which being branded customers, has been noted by the company, ahead of its first quarterly results as the newly re-branded "UnCarrier."
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04/02, 4:30pm
Update enables Visual Voicemail, LTE network connectivity
Reportedly, T-Mobile is planning on sending carrier updates to unlocked iPhones used on its network on or around April 5. The update should enable LTE and Visual Voicemail to the devices brought to the carrier. The update will be pushed only to iPhones running iOS 6.1 or greater.
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03/28, 2:30pm
Requires unlocked model
A new hack allows a current-generation AT&T iPhone 5 to operate on the 1700MHz band of T-Mobile's network, reports claim. The method involves a custom carrier file, and demands an unlocked A1428 model of the phone, whether with AT&T or officially unlocked by Apple. Once active the hack only provides access to LTE, and not T-Mobile's HSPA+ network.
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03/26, 6:30pm
Requires different radio, so previous units can't update to it
[Update: AWS iPhone 5 has cleared FCC approval] In light of the rollout of Apple's iPhone on T-Mobile, Apple has announced that it will begin selling a very-slightly modified version of the iPhone 5 starting April 12. The "new" version, which will carry the same model number, is different only in that it adds capability for T-Mobile's LTE network frequencies, known as AWS (Advanced Wireless Services). No other new features have been added, but because the AWS addition requires a hardware change in the cellular radio, current iPhone 5 units cannot be upgraded through software to AWS compatibility.
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03/26, 4:35pm
Only fixed caps will see throttling to 3G
T-Mobile CEO John Legere and other executives have clarified the carrier's policy on data throttling and Wi-Fi Calling in the wake of the company's iPhone announcement. During a Q&A session, they stated that throttling measures will only drop users to 3G speeds if they're on a fixed plan and exceed their data caps. Anyone on an unlimited data plan will be able to continue at full speed, as long as they aren't interfering with other customers.
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03/26, 2:48pm
Takes advantage of IPhone 5's wideband audio
The T-Mobile iPhone 5 will support the carrier's HD Voice technology, according to an announcement. The feature provides clearer voice calls when compared with normal cellphone service. To take advantage of it, though, all parties must be on a T-Mobile device, and connected to the carrier's HSPA, HSPA+, or LTE networks.
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03/26, 11:52am
New plans explained, more LTE devices added to roster
T-Mobile has formally announced that it will carry the iPhone 5, as well as the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4, at its "Uncarrier" media event. At the same time, the carrier has turned on its LTE 4G network in a number of markets, announced other devices that the phone network will offer in the future, and reiterated its new Simple Choice plans.
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03/25, 9:15pm
'Uncarrier' event focused on iPhone, new plans already live
After a prolonged wait following a deal struck back in December, T-Mobile will announce its plans for the iPhone and possibly the iPad as well at its "Uncarrier" event tomorrow, according to reports. The event will split its time between the iPhone announcement and the formal introduction of its already-in-effect "Uncarrier" plans, which eliminate phone subsidies and instead offer lower monthly fees but with an up-front "down payment" and a monthly charge to cover the cost of the device.
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03/25, 5:58am
UnCarrier plans start from $50, unlimited 4G data from $70
T-Mobile has made its new "UnCarrier" contract-free prices official in the United States. The new plans, doing away with the two-year contracts and generally streamlining prices for all future customers, has been unveiled just days before the carrier was due to host a special event, where it is still expected to turn on its 4G LTE network.
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03/22, 3:07pm
Crowdsourced network service detects LTE signals
A number of cities may have been identified as launch locations for T-Mobile's 4G LTE roll-out. Details picked up by crowdsourced network coverage map service OpenSignal suggests that it could launch in nine different cities in the United States, when the carrier is expected to launch the network upgrade later this month.
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03/20, 7:09am
UnCarrier initiative to have price plans differing by data
Price plan details for T-Mobile's "UnCarrier" initiative have allegedly leaked online. If true, a document claimed to be an internal memo tells that T-Mobile will be creating a new set of price plans that automatically include unlimited talk minutes and text messages, with the only difference being the amount of data included and the number of lines.
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03/18, 12:05pm
Software update pushed to Galaxy Note II enables LTE
T-Mobile will be activating its 4G LTE network in the United States by the end of this month, according to reports. An over-the-air update is being sent to Samsung Galaxy Note II smartphones to activate the LTE radio in preparation for the LTE turn-on, which is expected to be at the same time as the BlackBerry Z10 becomes available through the carrier.
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03/12, 4:58pm
Combined carrier will provide service to 33.2 million customers
Earlier today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowed T-Mobile's parent company Deutsche Telekom to merge its US wireless division with MetroPCS. The FCC believes that the combination will speed LTE deployment, expand MetroPCS into new markets, and overall build a stronger and faster national telecommunications network. The deal, announced in October, would see the nation's fourth-largest carrier merging with its fifth-largest. MetroPCS' 9.3 million-strong customer base would be added to T-Mobile's existing 33.2 million customers
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03/06, 3:50pm
US DOJ allows 30-day antitrust waiting period to expire unhindered
The merger between T-Mobile and MetroPCS has been given the go-ahead to proceed by the United States Department of Justice. A 30-day waiting period, put in place by antitrust laws, has expired without the DoJ offering any objections to the merger, which would see the combined Deutsche Telekom-owned carrier and MetroPCS further embed T-Mobile's position as the fourth largest US carrier.
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02/28, 10:02am
Poor results could hamper impending MetroPCS merger vote
T-Mobile USA lost profits, and customers in the fourth quarter of 2012, though increased its level of revenue from the previous quarter, according to recently-released company reports. Total revenues of $4.9 billion resembles a 5.2-percent drop year-on-year, with income dropping by a quarter to $1.05 billion compared to the same quarter in the previous year.
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02/19, 4:35pm
Unlimited web, throttled speeds
T-Mobile has quietly launched a prepaid cellular service marketed under the brand GoSmart Mobile. As noted by Reuters, the Deutsche Telekom division has partnered with smaller player MetroPCS to rival prepaid services offered by US competitors. GoSmart takes a slightly different approach than other services, however, bringing unlimited usage but throttling the data speeds on the cheapest plan.
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02/04, 10:42pm
Two Samsung devices, plus BlackBerry Z10 slated for release
According to some leaked data, March 27 will see the release of several LTE handsets on US wireless carrier T-Mobile. Reportedly scheduled are the Sonic 2.0 Mobile HotSpot LTE, the Samsung Galaxy Exhibit on either postpaid or prepaid plans, the Galaxy S III LTE, and the BlackBerry Z10.
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01/28, 11:31am
Only second UK carrier to offer Visual Voicemail
UK carrier EE has turned on Visual Voicemail for iPhone 5 owners. Visual Voicemail allows people to treat voicemail like an email inbox, instead having to call a carrier's number and respond to prompts. With EE, though, the option is only available to iPhone 5 owners subscribed to a 4GEE plan. Data consumed by voicemail doesn't count against any caps.
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01/10, 5:23am
RIM boosted by support from major US carriers
RIM has received a boost with the major carriers including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile all confirming that they will be offering BlackBerry 10-powered devices on launch, reports Reuters. Executives from each of the wireless powerhouses were hopeful, and also indicated continued business interest in RIM’s devices for enterprise deployment. If RIM is to enjoy a second coming, after rapidly falling to the wayside following the rise of the iPhone and Android devices, carrier support will play a critical role if it is to have a future.
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01/09, 10:49am
Should mean iPhone 5 will be first T-Mobile phone
T-Mobile USA will start selling the iPhone in about three to four months, says CEO John Legere. The executive made the comments at CES during an interview with Reuters. Although the carrier has previously confirmed plans to sell Apple products, it has never before explicitly mentioned the iPhone and set a narrow timeframe. Legere adds that the company's plans to end phone subsidies should take effect in the same window, the tradeoff being contract-free phones with lower monthly rates than most US carriers.
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01/09, 5:40am
T-Mobile makes new product announcements at CES 2013
T-Mobile has partnered with MLB in a multi-million dollar deal. T-Mobile will provide MLB with an on-field communication system powered by its 4G network. Among other uses, the first use will be to allow managers to communicate with coaches in dugouts.
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01/08, 5:43pm
Carrier set to become official iPhone partner later this year
Despite not having become an official iPhone carrier yet, T-Mobile USA on Tuesday revealed that it already has nearly two million iPhones on its network as of this month -- an increase of 200,000 users since December 6, when the carrier announced it will finally begin carrying Apple devices later in 2013. Interest in the iPhone has been responsible for an average of 100,000 activations per month, the company says.
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01/03, 9:46am
New budget Curve to include FM Radio, BlackBerry OS 7.1
Research In Motion has revealed a new budget-level BlackBerry smartphone in its range, running the BlackBerry 7.1 operating system. The Curve 9315 will roll out later this month on January 23rd for T-Mobile in the United States, a week ahead of the phone manufacturer's BlackBerry 10 launch events.
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12/20, 3:11pm
T-Mobile closes out year with 14 new metro areas
T-Mobile announced today that it would be closing out 2012 by expanding its 4G coverage to 14 new metropolitan areas. The expansion is part of an ongoing $4 billion plan to advance T-Mobile's high speed network, which now offers enhanced coverage for more than 100 million people across the United States. T-Mobile's network is compatible with unlocked AT&T devices, and the company is actively encouraging AT&T customers to make the switch, advertising savings of up to $50 a month.
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12/13, 8:54pm
iPhone-compatible network available in 23 major metro areas
An official blog post penned by T-Mobile's Chief Technology Officer Neville Ray has trumpeted the company's 4G HSPA+ expansion in five major metropolitan areas, including Chicago, Reno, Fresno, and Sacramento. The new expansion brings the provider's iPhone 5-compatible network to 23 metro areas, and 100 million people.
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12/06, 5:12pm
Initiative announced in company's annual investor conference
During Deutsche Telekom's annual investor conference, T-Mobile USA CEO John Legere announced his intent to do away with subsidies for cellphone purchases with contracts. Legere said that customers will pay an upfront fee for the devices, and pay the remainder of the phone's value in affordable monthly installments.
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